Public engagement on the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act starts today

WHITEHORSE—The Yukon government is seeking feedback on how the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act protects the public’s right to access government information and individuals’ privacy in the first of two public engagement opportunities.

“We want the Yukon government’s access and privacy legislation to be as understandable, effective and user-friendly for Yukoners as possible,” Minister of Highways and Public Works Scott Kent said. ”Sharing your experiences and ideas can help shape the future of how your information and the information of your government is managed.”

Yukon residents will receive a pamphlet in the mail in the next few days. Additional information and a short online survey can be found at www.yukonatipp.ca.

This first phase of this public engagement is focused on building a base of knowledge about what the act is and why it is being reviewed. The Yukon government is also conducting a survey to gather experiences with and views on the current act, and seek input on broad, guiding principles regarding access to information and privacy protection.

The consultation is open for 60 days and closes on July 31.

Input and comments received will be summarized and shared with the public later this year. Before amendments to the act are made, a second round of public engagement will be undertaken to present potential amendments to the act to the public for feedback and review prior to finalization.

The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act sets out Yukoners’ rights to access government held information about themselves, as well as government information, with certain limited exceptions. It also ensures the privacy of personal information is protected.